Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7040 - Men - 1968

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7040 is a superb example of Japanese precision engineering from the late 1960s. As a foundational piece in Seiko's lineup, the Lord Matic sat comfortably between the standard models and the high-end King Seiko, offering exceptional finishing and advanced movement technology. This specific example features the desirable "Open Thru Glass" monocoque case design, a technical achievement that improves water resistance and structural integrity. With its sharp lines, Kanji/Eng day wheel, and clean aesthetic, it is a versatile vintage dress watch that offers tremendous value and historical appeal. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7040 Serial Number: 882521 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing honest wear to the case consistent with age while retaining a pristine dial presentation, and running within vintage tolerances with healthy amplitude. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in stunning condition with a bright and consistent finish. It features applied faceted baton indices with black central inlays that match the dauphine-style hands, providing excellent legibility and a sharp, cohesive look. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and raised. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a desirable English and Kanji day wheel. The text "Japan 5606-7071R" is clearly visible at the bottom edge, and the Suwa Seikosha logo is present above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm and features the distinct monocoque "front-loading" construction, evidenced by the caseback text "Open Thru Glass." This design eliminates the traditional removable caseback to minimize moisture entry points. The case preserves its original profile with defined lines, though it shows visible surface scratches, small dings, and signs of handling typical for a watch of this vintage. The caseback inscriptions remain deep and fully legible. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel mechanism known for its reliability and use in higher-tier Seiko models of the era. The movement offers reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +23s to +27s per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black vintage-style leather strap featuring white contrast stitching near the lugs. The strap is in excellent condition, supple and ready for wear, securing with a polished silver-tone buckle that complements the steel case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean and free of significant aging or spotting. The case shows honest character with surface wear and marks that attest to its history but does not suffer from over-polishing. The movement is functioning correctly, and the timegrapher results confirm it is mechanically sound. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-century dress watch silhouette that sits elegantly on the wrist. Remarks This 1968 Lord Matic is particularly collectible due to its "Open Thru Glass" case architecture and the presence of the Kanji day wheel. The reference 5606-7040 is widely regarded as one of the most balanced designs of the LM series. The combination of the monocoque case and the high-beat 5606 movement makes this a technically interesting piece for collectors who appreciate engineering as much as aesthetics. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was developed by Seiko to bridge the gap between their mid-range automatics and the prestigious Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. The 5606 movement inside was a marvel of mass-production quality, featuring a thin profile and advanced features like hacking and hand-winding. The Lord Matic played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance of the mechanical watch market in the late 1960s and 1970s, setting a standard for reliability and style that remains relevant today. This specific example, dating to August 1968, represents the very early and highly desirable production run of this legendary model. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0005